Opposition to launch fresh protests in Harare

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) ban on demonstrations in Harare has expired and opposition political parties are now regrouping to launch fresh protests against President Robert Mugabe, accusing his government of fuelling corruption and causing untold suffering on people.

Government, through Notice Number 239A of 2016 by ZRP Chief Superintendent Newbert Saunyama, issued a month-long demonstration ban in Harare which expired on October 15.

MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu said following the expiry of the controversial ban, his party was mooting one of the biggest demonstrations to force Mugabe out of office.

"Demonstrations will continue unabated throughout the length and breadth of the country. There is neither retreat nor surrender. The Zanu PF regime is collapsing and I can bet my bottom bond coin that the regime will be history even before 2018," he said.

People's Democratic Party spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said there were plans underway to turn up the heat on Zanu PF.

"We plan to converge with all parties on the National Transitional Authority platform and any other platforms and reignite citizens to take to the streets and protest. The demonstrations will take place in the next few days. The planning meetings are underway as we speak," he said.

MDC-T national youth assembly leader, Happymore Chidziva claimed the police had issued the ban to restock their teargas supplies, which had run out, and also the dye for the water cannon trucks.

"While they have been restocking, we have been regrouping and preparing to face any threat to our civil liberties head-on. It was a well-deserved break for us and we are ready to re-engage so that we liberate our nation. With people looting government coffers to fund party and personal interests, democratic resistance can never be more ripe than now," he said.